Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen claims the Gunners are in for the long haul when it comes to this season's Premiership campaign.Arsene Wenger's men are now the closest challengers to Premier League leaders Chelsea, five points behind but with a game in hand, following their 4-1 win at Wolves and Manchester United's defeat at Stamford Bridge."If we look at the rankings, we are second and it is a message to other teams that we are involved in the race to be champions," the Belgian defender told Arsenal TV Online."It is good that we have had a good series of games, it is important to continue and stay focused on every game because there are a lot of important games."